Labour activists in Brentwood have been protesting against the lack of affordable housing, as figures show the proportion of young people living in the town has dramatically fallen in the past 50 years.

Toby Blunsten, youth officer for the Brentwood and Ongar Labour Party, said the newly formed Brentwood and Ongar Young Labour Group is looking to address issues affecting people of his age, including the crisis engulfing the housing market that is leaving many unable to move out of the family home.

The Watford observer reported that "London councils are moving families into south west Hertfordshire and increasing the pressure on the housing market.
More than 200 homeless families in Watford and 55 in Three Rivers have been forced to stay in bed and breakfasts, hotels and homes in Harlow, Slough and Luton this year while wait for a property to become available in their home districts."

Patrick Mulrenan, senior lecturer in housing at London Metropolitan University (LMU), carried out research to find students across the capital are being forced to sleep on floors, stay with friends and relatives, or in council temporary accommodation.